The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the release of new guidance from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency that clarifies construction’s critical role in supporting essential infrastructure.
“Federal officials have, wisely, heeded our advice and opted to release new guidance that makes it clear that construction activities are included in its list of essential critical infrastructure workers. This new federal guidance should help eliminate the confusion and ambiguity that has led several state and local officials to needlessly order halts to construction activity that is clearly essential.
“Specifically, federal officials have opted to identify construction and related activities, including the manufacture and delivery of construction supplies and safety equipment and the permitting & inspection of projects, in 25 different parts of its guidelines, compared to four times in its prior iteration. That is because federal officials understand the essential role construction plays in supporting our critical infrastructure and economic activities. They also understand that construction activity can continue to occur in a way that protects workers and the general public from the spread of coronavirus.
“Moving forward, we are eager to work with state and local officials to help them better understand how to heed this new federal guidance so they can continue, or begin, to allow construction work to proceed in their jurisdictions.”
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Apr 3, 2020
CallisonRTKL buoyed by overseas demand
Customer service across the globe remains No. 1 priority, says new CFO.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
COVID-19: HMC Architects using 3D Printers to make face shields for healthcare workers
HMC staff is producing 3D-printed parts from their homes as they self-isolate.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
COVID-19: CannonDesign initiates industry coalition to make masks for healthcare providers
Coalition formed to make DIY face masks for healthcare workers in COVID-19 settings.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
As virus spreads across North America, software providers step up with cost-free offerings
The goal is to keep construction projects moving forward at a time when jobs are being postponed or canceled.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
SBA and Treasury begin effort to distribute $349 billion in emergency small business capital
The new loan program will help small businesses with their payroll and other business operating expenses.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
New webinar explains how AIA Contract Documents can address business disruptions due to Covid-19
The webinar was recorded March 27.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
Informed by its latest Crane Index, Rider Levett Bucknall anticipates the effect of coronavirus on the construction industry
While total crane count holds steady, turbulent economic conditions indicate a recession-based drop in construction costs.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
How is the coronavirus outbreak impacting your firm's projects?
Please take BD+C's three-minute poll on the AEC business impacts from the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
Opinion: What can we learn from the coronavirus pandemic?
The coronavirus pandemic will soon end, soon be in the rear-view mirror, but we can still take lessons learned as directions for going forward.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
Three reasons you should keep sewing face masks (as long as you follow simple best practices)
Here are three reasons to encourage sewists coast to coast to keep their foot on the pedal.